Warrior Of Light shaped with bags of promise when runner-up on his handicap debut and is strongly fancied at 9/2 to go one better in the 7.35 at Sandown this evening.
The son of High Chaparral caught the eye on his debut over a mile Kempton when keeping on to finish a not knocked about sixth of 11 to Marzocco, and then duly improved for the experience when easily landing a 12-runner mile maiden at the same venue.
Although the eventual winning margin was only a length, that does not tell the whole story as he scored with tons in hand.
After racing close-up, Warrior Light was ridden to lead at the furlong marker and then quickened clear to put the race to bed and win readily.
It was an effort which suggested he needing keeping onside and would be a useful tool to go to war with in handicaps this season.
The David Lanigan trained three-year-old confirmed that impression in no uncertain manner on his seasonal reappearance when runner-up to Devilment off an opening mark of 82.
After losing his place early doors and finding himsled at the rear of the field, Warrior Of Light made good headway two from home to hold every chance inside the final furlong before being unable to find any extra near the finish to be beaten a length.
The pair pulled 4 1/2 lengths clear of the 88-rated Moontime, and had the field well strung out.
That gives the form a solid look, and it was a run which suggested Warrior Of Light was was ahead of his mark.
Although 6lb now switched to the turf, Warrior Of Light is bred to excel on it, looks open to stacks more improvement, and is sure to come on significantly for his last run.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Warrior Of Light (9/2 BetVictor, Boylesports, Hills, Ladbrokes – BOG)